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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Delight

creamy marry me chicken - featured image

A comforting and creamy chicken dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for quick, cozy dinners with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (drain but keep a little oil for flavor)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (can substitute half-and-half for lighter version)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Gently pound the breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch or 1.3 cm) to ensure even cooking. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown and easily lifts from the pan. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Toss in the fresh baby spinach, stirring until it wilts down, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top. Let everything warm together on low heat for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking gently.
  8. Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of creamy tomato spinach sauce. Pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to get a golden crust. Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Add spinach last to keep it vibrant green. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with vegan cheese. For gluten-free, ensure chicken broth is gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, marry me chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, comfort food